Please don’t show up at my door unannounced

[Anonymous]

On MLK day, yesterday, my teenaged kids and I were home from work and school. We were happily in our pajamas all day working on personal projects, crap everywhere. My neighbor unexpectedly rang our doorbell and we all panicked! No one wanted to answer the door, arguing who had to do it, me hiding in the kitchen...DD finally let the neighbor in and I was horrified. She wanted to drop off our bowl from a neighborhood gathering weeks ago! Why couldn’t she text first or just leave the bowl on our porch?

[Anonymous]

family, don't care. they see me in my messiness all the time.

strangers, no, you cannot come in.

[Anonymous]

I don't need you to schedule your visit a week in advance. But I do live in a city, in a neighborhood with a prominent homeless population, with frequent petty crime, car break-ins, etc, and the occasional rando knocking on my door asking for money. So if you knock unexpectedly, there's a pretty good chance I won't answer. However, feel free to drop by and text me when you're a few minutes away, then I know to expect you. If you're comfortable enough to drop in, you're comfortable enough to see me in sweats with dishes in the sink.

[Anonymous]

Yeah I don't answer either. I also don't care if you can see me through the glass in my door.

My closest friends know the door code and would knock and enter if needed but they would msg first.

Other than when my kids are concerned I have zero responsibility to answer my phone or door for anyone else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't answer if I'm not expecting anyone.

Same here.

[Anonymous]

It happens to us at least twice a year since we live near stores. But the visitors are all good friends who were walking near our house and decided to stop by to say hello. Although I would not do that, I enjoy the visits and always invite them in and offer a drink. If they texted before, I would feel obligated to have more to offer, I would try to organize the house better etc. In other words, it is less stressful when it's unexpected.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, I got locked out of my house when it was 27 degrees.

[Anonymous]

Don’t let your houses get so messy!!

[Anonymous]

I love when people stop by, but we just don’t answer the doorbell. It’s 2020; people will text as they near the house to see if we are home.

Only salesman or worse will ring.

Or kids, and those I recognize in our camera I answer.

[Anonymous]

It gives me anxiety when someone knocks on my door and I’m not expecting anyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don’t let your houses get so messy!!

Meh, I'm sure she doesn't live in squalor.
Even with clean house, I'm not a fan of unannounced visitors either - even with extended family. My MIL will drop by (we keep the side door unlocked - she knocks/announces then enters). I make a point of continuing my activity - I don't drop my schedule cause you decide to drop in - this does shorten her visit.
Rest of family and friends always text first as common courtesy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On MLK day, yesterday, my teen-aged kids and I were home from work and school. We were happily in our pajamas all day working on personal projects, crap everywhere. My neighbor unexpectedly rang our doorbell and we all panicked! No one wanted to answer the door, arguing who had to do it, me hiding in the kitchen...DD finally let the neighbor in and I was horrified. She wanted to drop off our bowl from a neighborhood gathering weeks ago! Why couldn’t she text first or just leave the bowl on our porch?

You didn't know that your neighbor had your bowl and might stop by on a holiday? My neighbor doesn't have my bowl or my anything. My neighbor won' stop by.
I haven't had anybody show up unannounced for years. 2 people have confused the floors and knocked on our door.

[Anonymous]

Text before stopping by, if you must stop by. But I cannot relax at home if I think someone is just going to stop by. What if I'm pooping and the doorbell rings? What if I'm having alone time with DH and the doorbell rings? What if I'm not wearing a bra and still in my pjs at 2:00 and the doorbell rings?

I might love you, but do not stop by!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't answer if I'm not expecting anyone.

Same here.

Yup, this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From OP: I have many friends and don’t mind visitors but please text or call first so I can get dressed and throw dishes in the dishwasher before you get here!

Don't speak for everyone.

You can only control yourself and you don't have to answer the door.